Steps

Preheat oven to 450°F. In a large dutch oven, sauté the bacon in 1 tablespoon of oil for about 3 minutes, until it starts to lightly brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3

Dry the beef in paper towels for better browning. In batches, sear the beef on all sides in the Dutch oven. Set aside with the bacon.

4

Back in the pot, add the sliced carrots and onions; sauté in fat until browned, about 3 minutes. If there's any excess fat, drain.

5

Back in the pot, add the sliced carrots and onions; sauté in fat until browned, about 3 minutes. If there's any excess fat, drain.

6

Add the bacon and beef back to the pot. Season with 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Toss. Sprinkle with flour and toss once more. Place in the center of the oven for 4 minutes.

7

Remove pot from oven; toss beef and place back in the oven for 4 more minutes.

8

Remove the pot from the oven and reduce the heat to 325°F.

9

To the pot add the wine and stock. The liquid should barely cover the meat and vegetables. Add the tomato paste, garlic and thyme. Bring to a light simmer on the stove, then cover and simmer in the lower part of the oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is easily pierced.

10

In the last hour of cooking, bring 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons oil to a medium heat in a sauté pan. Add the pearl onions and toss around in the fat until they've browned, 10 minutes. Then stir in 1/2 cup beef stock, a small pinch of salt and pepper and the herb bouquet. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the onions for about 40 minutes, until the liquid has evaporated and the onions are tender.

11

Remove the onions and set aside. Discard the herb bouquet and wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining butter and oil and bring to a medium heat.

12

Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan to coat with the butter.

13

Place a colander over a large pot. Drain the beef stew through the colander and into the pot. Place the pot with the sauce over a medium heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, skimming any fat on top. Pour the beef and vegetables back into the dutch oven. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms to the pot. Pour the sauce over the beef mix and simmer an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

Exchanges:

Carbohydrate Choice

1

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

If you've always wanted to make Julia Child's beef bourguignon but never had the guts, then we're here to help. You've read the book and watched the movie, so the only thing that's left is to master her classic dish.
In all honesty, this will take some time. But, it's totally worth it. You'll make this UNBELIEVABLE stew and you won't be able to stop dreaming about it. It's THAT good.
So, here it is! While the stew simmers, pour yourself a few glasses of red wine, and watch Julie and Julia. And eat cheese. And crackers. But save your appetite for stew OR I WILL TURN THIS CAR AROUND.
Tighten your apron strings. This one is a doozie.
OKAY, READY!?
Now, this is important. Pat your meat dry! Or else it won't brown. When you're searing the meat you may have to do it in batches.
When you brown the pearl onions in some butter with some beef stock and herbs, it will take a good while. Slow cooking, baby. It's why it tastes so good.
Garnish your gorgeous masterpiece with parsley and serve with potatoes. Or pasta! Or even rice!
Thank you, Julia.